Trekking to Emerald Lagoon

Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda offers adventurers a stunning journey through the rugged beauty of Tierra del Fuego’s wilderness, culminating in the breathtaking sight of the emerald-colored lagoon nestled amidst towering peaks and lush forests. The trek typically begins with a scenic drive from Ushuaia, followed by a hike along well-marked trails that wind through picturesque landscapes of dense beech forests, babbling streams, and snow-capped mountains. Along the way, hikers may encounter native wildlife such as foxes, guanacos, and Andean condors, adding to the sense of adventure and immersion in nature. As the trail ascends, the vibrant turquoise waters of Laguna Esmeralda come into view, framed by dramatic mountain peaks and verdant valleys. Upon reaching the lagoon, trekkers can take a moment to soak in the serene beauty of the surroundings, perhaps enjoying a picnic lunch amidst the pristine wilderness. The trek back offers a chance to savor the sights and sounds of the forest once more, with the journey concluding back in Ushuaia with memories of an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most remote and captivating landscapes.

The austral Summer treats us with long days, ideal to celebrate the Fuegian nature with a dinner in the light of seemingly endless sunset.

Esmeralda Lagoon is an active, hiking tour for those who enjoy walking and being outdoors in contact with Nature. It is also a great opportunity to see the wonderful color of Laguna Esmeralda, and the evening colors of the mountains.

The excursion starts from our office at Roca 136 around 2:30 PM, with a bus ride to the Tierra Mayor Valley, the starting point of a medium-difficulty hike to visit the Esmeralda lagoon. The difficulty of the hiking activity is given mostly by the type of terrain, and not so much by the presence of steep slopes. In fact, the inclination of the trail is very smooth until you get closer to the lagoon, where it becomes a bit more demanding for a short distance. This walk will take us through a forest and then through a peat bog, which can be very wet. Only if the guide considers it necessary, he or she will offer you rain boots (Wellies) to ford some swampy areas. In any case, we recommend wearing the adequate footwear for this tour.

The lagoon is at the foot of the Ojo de Albino glacier, between Cerro Bonete and Cordón Toribio. The emerald green waters blend with the copper red peat bogs, and also with the ocher, green and brown of the mountains that enclose it, while the white of the glacier creates a visual feast of a chromatic amplitude difficult to find in many other areas around the world. During the return walk, we will continue exploring the forest crossed by rivers and streams, before enjoying an ideal dinner: snacks, and lentil stew with a nice Patagonian red wine in a charming cabin overlooking the Tierra Mayor valley. The connoisseurs of the area say that it is the place indicated to wait for the slow and magical sunset. The return to Ushuaia is estimated around 10 PM.

One last recommendation: families with children under 12 years of age can request our exclusive custom trip based on this tour. A guide and a van available to you, as long as necessary to make this experience even more unforgettable.